BMW 316d (F30) - N47 timing chain rattle vs healthy engine sound

I made this video because the timing chain in my N47 engine made a different noise to other videos when it needed changing. I don't know how bad it was, or how close to breaking it was, but replacing the timing chain kit fixed it.

[Reesaming]

Top tip pay attention to the loud start then after 5 seconds engine goes quiet straight away if your car does this get chain changed asp 👍🏼

[leeyoung]

Recently bought a 2007 X3. The previous owner experienced a timing chain fail at 160K. BMW replaced the engine at nil cost. New engine is on 47K now so hoping to get another 90/100K which will see me out. By the way that car is in absolutely super condition and drives like new.

[MileyPit]

"It sounds like a diesel locomotive" - Richard Hammond

[creabitcreabit]

I have a question, recently bought a BMW 320d with a N47 . You can hear the chain rattle when the car is hot and cold but it’s not so violent. Should I worry about it ?

[thementos]

mine sounds the same, after the tensioner gets oil pressure its gone, i dont think its necessary to replace

[hamzaleu]

I currently have my car at a mechanic shop changing the timing chain of a Bmw F20 2013 and i came across your video while looking for how they do actually change it

[mjrjunior]

Had my chains replaced on my 116d a few weeks ago. Had the same exactly noise for 4-5 seconds and then it would run normal, after some months the noise not longer go away so I stopped the car and replace the chain immediately.

[HubuIsDaBomb]

Replaced it on my f30 316d too, the noise disappeared :)

[Politicallyincorrect]

Am i the only one that cant hear a difference?

[HarleyN]

Sounds like no oil in the chain tensioner happens if you leave it for a while

[tugaxD]

Does the N47 1600cc from a car of 2014 still have this problem? I heard the engine was revisioned at 2012

[Cheeky-fingers]

Isn't this the engine with the plastic timing chain tensioner? Was meant to be a service item but so difficult to get at they deemed it as life of the car. So many manufacturers make this same mistake that leads to big bills. Lots of pressure is put on them to deem service parts life of the engine to appease lease companies who don't want to spend out on expensive servicing. The classic was the Alfa 156 who's cambelt interval was moved from 36k to 72k to appease lease companies. This car was a huge success for Alfa as lease companies snapped them up. Sadly snapping of belts was the legacy for that car in lease car world.

[srtjko]

The sound difference is very minimal but I can hear it. Before timing chain replacement, every engine tick is different pitched, one is louder another is quieter etc... After service, engine tick sounds a lot more linear and consistent.

Can I ask which timing chain kit did you buy? Febi, FAI or another one?

[deanwalker]

Got the exact same sound in my 2013 BMW 325d 160k, would a full service help this issue at all until the timing chain was replaced?

[Koprix_PT]

Hello, on the 2nd video there's a thin tune, when the motor starts, did you see what was?

[pahula]

Hi, I’ve got the exact same issue on my BMW 520D F10. I wanted to ask if your engine vibrated a lot before the timing chain replacement?

[bkstandukar]

Have exactly same noise during startup for 4-5 seconds no matter engine warm or cold.
Replaced my timing chain, but didn’t fix the noise. Any other things that could cause this noise? Mechanic said no issue with engine at all.
BMW X3 F25 2012

[wrf]

For n47 what Is best ll04 oil 0w30 or 5w30? Thanks

[krzysztoflupa]

I hear the difference is it classic rattle sound for timing chains in BMW?? Does it sound similar way in other engines?

[Lone-wolf-]

I have this same noise but not on start up I only have it when the cars revs are between 1-3k revs at idle it’s fine on start up it’s fine at higher rpm it’s fine